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“You’re allowed now If you want”

Jere down the euest room? I feel weird otherwise” He ducked his head, clearly embarrassed, and Max could understand it

“Of course” Max said, leaning in to whisper in his ear “Besides, it’s fun sneaking across the hall”

He kissed Jereered on their tongues, and it really did taste like Christmas

Epilogue

One year later

Jere the crisp air deeply He reached into his pocket for the s over his initials before he relasses and pushed them up his nose

Valerie called, “Trail’s all set?”

Max gave her a thue Jere for the ride, but it was the first chance he’d had since early March He’d

Thehad been a ind of activity as they prepared for the final open house before Christmas Jeremy helped Max set up the taffy station as the first vehicles arrived They had a steady line of custo out Popsicle sticks he didn’t realize Levi was there until he was handing sticks to him and his nieces

“Hey!” Jere “I didn’t know you were co”

“They wouldn’t erly spinning hot syrup onto their sticks “Hey, Max!” He held out his hand

Max shook it with a genuine s “Great to see you, man Sorry I couldn’t make the show Had to cover for the other bartender at the last minute”

“No worries If you can co our set at the rainbow pub night on ca us to the committee, Jer”

Jeremy flushed with pleasure “That’s awesouys will coanize a Valentine’s Day event for the queer club too Not sure yet if we’ll have bands, but if we do, I’ll get you in They asked me to take over as treasurer, and I have some say on activities”

Max grinned “He’ll be president next year Mark my words”

Jereed but couldn’t hide his s the club “We’ll see Marjorie ood friend”